Columnist Lisa Ferguson: Sun Lite for August 18, 2003

Lisa Ferguson

Monday, Aug. 18, 2003 | 8:21 a.m.

Steps toward safety

At this time next week, school bells throughout the land will be clanging, marking the end of summer vacation and ushering students back to the books.

Before pushing their little tykes armed with crayons and a brand-new "Blue's Clues" lunchbox out the door, moms and dads would be wise to pack some vital information on their youngster.

Accidents, unfortunately, can happen anywhere, including on the bus ride to and from school, on the playground and sometimes even in the classroom. That's when the Who's Shoes ID band can potentially be a lifesaver.

The brightly colored Velcro band (either neon pink or royal blue) folds over and attaches to shoelaces, clothing and shoe straps and/or belt loops. Important information about the child his or her name, date of birth, parents' names, doctor's name, any medical conditions the child might have and an emergency contact's phone number is written on a waterproof card inside, so it is available for emergency workers to read.

Think your kid will remember your cell-phone number in the event of an emergency? Think again: The ID bands' makers remind that very young children often do not know even their home phone number or address, while the majority of youngsters (98 out of 100) do not ever carry any personal identification with them.

The ID bands may also prove handy for those with impaired memories, such as Alzheimer's disease patients; outdoor enthusiasts who venture out alone; and people with speech impairments. The bands are available at whosshoesid.com; $7.99 buys two bands and one ID card.

School smarts 101

Let's hope college-age kids have at least learned their names and phone numbers by the time they head off to those pricey universities this fall. Chances are, they've already thought ahead about what they'll do in times of personal crisis: Put the late-night pizza-delivery order on the credit card Dad told them to use "only in case of an emergency."

In all seriousness, college-campus crime is an issue facing students, and parents can help protect their young adults by sending them into the hallowed halls of academia equipped with free college safety guides available for downloading at collegesafe.com.

The website is a division of Main Street Safety, an Orlando, Fla., company that offers safety information and sells personal-safety devices such as door-stop alarms, self-defense sprays and dorm-room security systems. Also available on the site are common-sense safety tips for college students to follow on and off campus. Among them: